'Muslim Journeys' Discussions

The University of Redlands Armacost Library was one of 125 libraries selected by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association to receive a grant to fund a scholar-led reading and discussion project called "Let’s Talk About It: Muslim Journeys."

It first began when the library was selected along with 842 state humanities councils and libraries nationwide to receive the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf, a project of the National Endowment for the Humanities Bridging Cultures initiative. This included a collection of films, books and other resources that helped introduce the American public to the rich culture and history of the Muslim community in the United States and around the world. The initiative’s main purpose is to promote mutual respect and understanding for people with diverse cultures.

This discussion project, themed, "Points of View," will begin in September 2013 and continue through August 2014. It will be led by Dr. Patrick Wing, assistant professor of history, who has designed a First-Year Seminar for fall 2013 based on this theme.

The second grant will fund discussions based on the books and allow the library to make available 25 borrowing copies of each title in the "Points of View" theme, with 20 at the A.K. Smiley Public Library for the general public to check out and five at the Armacost Library.

Melissa Cardenas-Dow, program director and outreach librarian for the Armacost Library, says the program means a lot to the Muslim community in Redlands and the surrounding areas.

“This opportunity gives us the chance to spotlight the Muslim community members among us," she said. "This also demonstrates that Armacost Library is an active partner within the University and the city of Redlands.”

The partnership extends to A.K. Smiley Library, Campus Diversity and Inclusion and the Redlands Peace Academy.

The book discussions will be held at A.K. Smiley Library’s Assembly Room from 2 to 4 p.m. on the following dates:

Saturday, 9/28/13: In the Country of Men
Saturday, 10/26/13: Persepolis
Saturday, 11/23/13: House of Stone
Saturday, 1/25/14: Broken Verses
Saturday, 2/22/14: Dreams of Trespass

There will be a film series with discussions that will be held at the University of Redlands. Exact locations will be announced in the future. The dates are as follows: